It Is What It Is
by Thundercat
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 6, 2020
    60
    The drawback here is not that Bruner hasn’t made the out-and-out pop album his narrative arc as an artist might demand. Nor is it that he is showcasing his conservatoire-grade talents. It is, perhaps, that he doesn’t sit with one emotion, be it high or low, for a sustained length of time.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 68 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 68
  3. Negative: 3 out of 68
  1. Sadvilliany
    Apr 4, 2020
    8
    Really solid project from Thundercat. I don't listen to funk all to much, but this album makes me want to. This is my first full listenReally solid project from Thundercat. I don't listen to funk all to much, but this album makes me want to. This is my first full listen through of a Thundercat album, and I'm already hooked. It feels mature, but also keeps a tone of fun. Don't have much to say other than this is one of my favorite albums of the year so far, and I heavily recommend it.

    Favorite Tracks: Interstellar Love, Black Qualls, Funny Thing, Dragonball Durag, It Is What It Is
    Least Favorite Track: How Sway    … Full Review »
  2. strangetheyonny
    Apr 3, 2020
    9
    This album is as dense(if not more dense)instrumentally as Drunk, as Thundercat proves that he is a master of fusing jazz, soul, funk,This album is as dense(if not more dense)instrumentally as Drunk, as Thundercat proves that he is a master of fusing jazz, soul, funk, electronica, and many other genres. Along with this, he pens lyrics that are at times humorous(seen with the Overseas skit ft. comedian/rap star Zack Fox and Dragonball Durag)but at other times introspective in thoughtful(through his tributes to his late friend Mac Miller on the tracks Fair Chance and the album’s title track). This is such a beautiful album. This is the best project of his career, and it should certainly be considered one of the best projects to come out this year.… Full Review »
  3. youruberdriver
    Apr 3, 2020
    9
    It's a really solid, funky and consistent Thundercat album with great production, "It Is What It Is" makes you feel a little bit happier inIt's a really solid, funky and consistent Thundercat album with great production, "It Is What It Is" makes you feel a little bit happier in these hard times.… Full Review »
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